Learning-Oriented Monitoring for Combi-tracks

Combi-tracks is a Dutch government approach that promotes trade, investment, and sustainable development in 14 emerging markets, creating opportunities for green and digital transitions and decent jobs for youth and women. Our Learning-Oriented Monitoring (LOM) of Combi-tracks has completed its inception phase and now enters a two-year implementation period, generating evidence and lessons to support adaptive management and improvements at both programme and track level.

In June 2022, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a new combination policy integrating trade, investment, and development cooperation. The Combi-tracks approach was designed to address major transitions such as greening and digitalisation, building on lessons from previous evaluations.

A Combi-track is a multi-year, sector-focused approach in an emerging market. A total of 21 Combi-tracks are established in 14 countries, each consisting of multiple projects. These projects aim to strengthen the export and investment position of Dutch companies while supporting economic development in the partner countries. By addressing challenges and seizing opportunities, Combi-tracks help Dutch businesses expand responsibly and effectively in emerging markets.

Our Learning-Oriented Monitoring (LOM) assignment supports the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and participating Embassies in promoting learning and adaptive management at programme, thematic, and track levels, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and evidence-based decision-making. Unlike a traditional mid-term evaluation, the assignment provides continuous learning opportunities, enabling adaptive management and informed decision-making. The assignment is guided by five interlinked objectives: 1) providing insights into long-term transitions, 2) stimulating a learning culture, 3) strengthening data quality, 4) generating evidence on effective practices, and 5) facilitating lesson-sharing across tracks.

The LOM assignment includes three main components: research visits, overarching analysis and learning and cross-track learning. The assignment is complementary to the work of the RVO PMEL advisors, who focus on track-level monitoring. We look forward to uncovering insights into this novel approach and supporting its effects on sustainable and inclusive trade and development.